Patentable/Patents/US-10535023
US-10535023

Planning and conducting a product launch

PublishedJanuary 14, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

An example embodiment provides a method comprising determining a launch date; determining a product launch plan by working back from the launch date, executing the product launch plan, and tracking the plurality of the product as they are transported in accordance with the product launch plan. The product launch plan comprises a configurable visibility threshold point. The method further comprises receiving a tracking request and determining whether the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point. Responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point, providing tracking information/data. Responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has not reached the configurable visibility threshold point, providing a message indicating that the expected delivery date of the product is the launch date.

Patent Claims
21 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method comprising: determining, via a processor, a launch date for a product launch, wherein a plurality of a product is to be delivered to a plurality of customers at different geographic locations on the launch date; receiving, via the processor accessing a database, one or more planning parameters for executing the product launch; calculating, via the processor, time needed for manufacturing and packaging the plurality of the product for the product launch date; utilizing one or more planning parameters to generate, via the processor, one or more components of a product launch plan associated with the product launch; generating, via the processor, the product launch plan for delivering the plurality of the product to the plurality of customers based on the one or more planning parameters to different geographic locations by working back from the launch date, wherein the product launch plan comprises a configurable visibility threshold point and one or more customized visibility options regarding tracking information for the plurality of products provided, via a portal, to the plurality of customers for controlling the visibility of product tracking information; utilizing, via the processor, one or more planning parameters to determine processing capabilities of a central market hub; determining, via the processor, an amount of time needed to process one or more products of the plurality of products by the determined launch date at the central hub; determining, via the processor, whether or not additional personnel or equipment are needed to process the plurality of products for the product launch by the determined launch date; executing, via the processor, the product launch plan and tracking one or more of the plurality of the product as the one or more of the plurality of the product is transported in accordance with the product launch plan; receiving, via the processor, a tracking request from one of the plurality of customers who is an intended recipient of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of the product, the tracking request provided as user input to a user interface provided through a customer computing entity; determining, via the processor, whether the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point; responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point, providing tracking information to be displayed by the user interface provided by the customer computing device; and responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has not reached the configurable visibility threshold point, transmit signaling information to a receiver, to provide a message (a) to be displayed by the user interface provided by the customer computing entity and (b) indicating that the expected delivery date of the at least one of the one or more of the plurality of the product is the launch date.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and tracking product launches, particularly for coordinating the delivery of multiple products to different geographic locations on a specified launch date. The system determines the launch date and calculates the time required for manufacturing and packaging the products. It generates a product launch plan based on planning parameters, including configurable visibility thresholds for tracking information. The plan ensures that products are delivered to customers while controlling the visibility of tracking details through a customer portal. The system assesses processing capabilities at a central hub, determines if additional personnel or equipment are needed, and executes the launch plan while tracking product movement. Customers can request tracking updates, and the system provides visibility only after the configurable threshold is reached. If the threshold hasn't been met, the system confirms the expected delivery date without revealing tracking details. This approach optimizes logistics, resource allocation, and customer communication during product launches.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the plurality of customers comprises (a) freight customers receiving one or more of the plurality of the product by a freight delivery and (b) non-freight customers receiving one or more of the plurality of the product by a non-freight delivery; and the product launch plan comprises (a) a configurable visibility threshold point for freight customers and (b) a different configurable visibility threshold point for non-freight customers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a product launch system that manages visibility of product availability to different customer groups during a product launch. The system addresses the challenge of coordinating product distribution to diverse customer segments with varying delivery methods, ensuring controlled and customized visibility of product availability. The system categorizes customers into freight customers, who receive products via freight delivery, and non-freight customers, who receive products through other delivery methods. For each group, the system applies distinct visibility threshold points in the product launch plan. These threshold points determine when and how product availability is revealed to each customer segment, allowing tailored control over launch timing and visibility. The configurable thresholds enable adjustments based on factors like supply chain logistics, demand forecasting, or strategic marketing goals. By differentiating visibility settings for freight and non-freight customers, the system optimizes inventory allocation and minimizes disruptions during product launches. The approach ensures that product availability is communicated effectively to each customer group while maintaining operational efficiency.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point for freight customers occurs earlier in the execution of the product launch plan than the configurable visibility threshold point for non-freight customers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing customer visibility in product launch plans, particularly in scenarios involving freight and non-freight customers. The problem addressed is the need to control when different customer groups gain visibility into product launch details, ensuring freight customers receive earlier access compared to non-freight customers. This is critical for logistics planning, inventory management, and supply chain coordination. The system includes a product launch plan with configurable visibility threshold points, which determine when specific customer groups can view launch-related information. For freight customers, the visibility threshold is set to occur earlier in the execution timeline than for non-freight customers. This allows freight customers to prepare shipping, storage, and distribution logistics in advance, while non-freight customers receive visibility at a later stage, potentially after freight logistics are secured. The system dynamically adjusts these thresholds based on predefined rules or real-time conditions, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational constraints. The method also includes monitoring customer interactions with the launch plan and adjusting visibility thresholds as needed to optimize engagement and operational efficiency. This approach improves coordination between customers and suppliers, reduces delays, and enhances overall supply chain performance.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the processing of individual shipments.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing visibility thresholds in logistics operations addresses the challenge of optimizing shipment tracking and data processing efficiency. The invention provides a configurable visibility threshold point that determines when shipment data is processed, allowing for flexible adaptation to different operational needs. This threshold can be set dynamically based on factors such as shipment volume, processing capacity, or business requirements. The system monitors incoming shipment data and applies the configured threshold to determine the optimal point for processing individual shipments. Once the threshold is reached, the system processes the data, ensuring timely and accurate tracking while minimizing unnecessary computational overhead. The method improves efficiency by reducing redundant processing and enhancing real-time visibility of shipments. The configurable nature of the threshold allows for customization across different logistics scenarios, ensuring adaptability to varying operational conditions. This approach optimizes resource allocation and improves decision-making in logistics management.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the product has cleared customs.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing product visibility in a supply chain involves dynamically adjusting the visibility of product tracking data based on configurable thresholds. The technology addresses the challenge of balancing transparency with operational efficiency, ensuring that sensitive or proprietary information is only shared when appropriate. The method includes tracking a product through various stages of the supply chain, such as manufacturing, transportation, and customs clearance. A configurable visibility threshold point determines when tracking data becomes accessible to stakeholders, such as customers or partners. This threshold can be set at different stages, including after the product has cleared customs, ensuring that visibility is only enabled once certain conditions are met. The system may also include additional features, such as real-time tracking, automated notifications, and integration with logistics platforms, to enhance supply chain visibility and coordination. By dynamically controlling when and how tracking data is shared, the method improves security, compliance, and operational efficiency in global supply chains.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the warehousing the product at one or more market hubs, central hubs, or both.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to supply chain management, specifically optimizing product visibility in distribution networks. The problem addressed is the lack of real-time tracking and control over product visibility thresholds during warehousing and distribution, leading to inefficiencies in inventory management and logistics. The method involves dynamically adjusting a configurable visibility threshold point to determine when product visibility should be activated or deactivated. This threshold can be set after the product has been warehoused at one or more market hubs, central hubs, or a combination of both. The system monitors product movement and applies the visibility threshold to control when tracking data is shared with stakeholders, ensuring optimal visibility based on operational needs. The method may also include tracking product movement between hubs and adjusting the visibility threshold based on predefined rules or real-time conditions. This approach improves supply chain transparency, reduces unnecessary tracking overhead, and enhances decision-making by providing visibility only when required. The invention is particularly useful in large-scale distribution networks where managing visibility across multiple hubs is complex.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is a predetermined time period before the launch date.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing visibility of digital content involves dynamically adjusting the visibility of content based on configurable thresholds. The invention addresses the challenge of controlling when and how content becomes accessible to users, particularly in scenarios where content should only be visible after a specific launch date or under certain conditions. The system includes a content management module that stores digital content and a visibility control module that determines whether the content should be visible to users based on predefined criteria. The visibility control module applies a configurable visibility threshold point, which can be set as a predetermined time period before a launch date. This ensures that content is only displayed to users when the specified conditions are met, preventing premature exposure while allowing controlled access as the launch date approaches. The system may also include user interface elements that allow administrators to adjust the visibility threshold dynamically, providing flexibility in managing content visibility. The method involves monitoring the current time or other conditions, comparing them to the visibility threshold, and adjusting the visibility status of the content accordingly. This approach ensures that content is displayed in a timely and controlled manner, enhancing user experience and content management efficiency.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine, via a processor, a launch date for a product launch, wherein a plurality of a product is to be delivered to a plurality of customers at different geographic locations on the launch date; receive, via the processor that accesses a database, one or more planning parameters for executing the product launch; calculate, via the processor, time needed for manufacturing and packaging the plurality of product for the product launch date; utilize one or more planning parameters to generate, via the processor, one or more components of a product launch plan associated with the product launch; generate, via a processor, the product launch plan for delivering the plurality of the product to the plurality of customers based on the one or more planning parameters to different geographic locations by working back from the launch date, wherein the product launch plan comprises a configurable visibility threshold point and one or more customized visibility options regarding tracking information for the plurality of product provided, via a portal, to the plurality of customers for controlling the visibility of product tracking information; utilize, via the processor, one or more planning parameters to determine processing capabilities of a central market hub; determine, via the processor, an amount of time needed to process one or more products of the plurality of products by the determined launch date at the central hub; determine, via the processor, whether or not additional personnel or equipment are needed to process the plurality of products for the product launch by the determined launch date; execute, via the processor, the product launch plan and track one or more of the plurality of the product as the one or more of the plurality of items is transported in accordance with the product launch plan; receive, via the processor, a tracking request from one of the plurality of customers who is an intended recipient of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of the product, the tracking request provided as user input to a user interface provided through a customer computing entity; determine, via the processor, whether the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point; responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point, provide tracking information/data to be displayed by the user interface provided by the customer computing device; and responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has not reached the configurable visibility threshold point, transmit signaling information to a receiver, to provide a message (a) to be displayed by the user interface provided by the customer computing entity and (b) indicating that the expected delivery date of the at least one of the one or more of the plurality of the product is the launch date.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and executing product launches, particularly for delivering multiple products to various geographic locations on a specified launch date. The system determines the launch date and calculates the time required for manufacturing and packaging the products. It generates a product launch plan based on planning parameters, including a configurable visibility threshold point and customized visibility options for tracking information. The plan ensures that products are delivered to customers while controlling the visibility of tracking data through a customer portal. The system assesses the processing capabilities of a central market hub, determines if additional personnel or equipment are needed, and executes the launch plan while tracking product movement. Customers can request tracking information, and the system provides updates only after the visibility threshold is reached. If the threshold has not been met, the system informs customers that the expected delivery date remains the launch date. This approach optimizes logistics, ensures timely delivery, and enhances customer communication during product launches.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein: the plurality of customers comprise (a) freight customers receiving one or more of the plurality of the product by a freight delivery and (b) non-freight customers receiving one or more of the plurality of the product by a non-freight delivery; and the product launch plan comprises (a) a configurable visibility threshold point for freight customers and (b) a different configurable visibility threshold point for non-freight customers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing product launches, particularly in supply chain and logistics operations. The system addresses the challenge of coordinating product visibility and delivery timing for different customer types, ensuring efficient distribution while meeting varying customer needs. The apparatus includes a product launch planning module that generates a product launch plan. This plan specifies visibility threshold points, which determine when customers can see and access the product. The system differentiates between freight customers and non-freight customers. Freight customers receive products via freight delivery, while non-freight customers receive them through other delivery methods. The system allows separate, configurable visibility threshold points for each customer type, enabling tailored visibility schedules based on delivery logistics and customer requirements. This ensures that freight customers, who may have longer lead times, receive appropriate visibility, while non-freight customers, who may expect faster access, are accommodated with a different visibility schedule. The system optimizes product launch coordination by dynamically adjusting visibility based on customer type and delivery method, improving supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point for freight customers occurs earlier in the execution of the product launch plan than the configurable visibility threshold point for non-freight customers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing visibility of product launch plans to different customer groups, specifically freight and non-freight customers. The system addresses the challenge of controlling when different customer segments receive visibility into a product launch plan, ensuring that freight customers, who may require earlier logistics coordination, receive information sooner than non-freight customers. The apparatus includes a visibility control module that enforces configurable visibility threshold points within a product launch plan. These threshold points determine when specific customer groups gain access to launch-related information. The system distinguishes between freight and non-freight customers, allowing the visibility threshold for freight customers to be set earlier in the execution timeline than for non-freight customers. This ensures freight customers can plan logistics, such as shipping and transportation, in advance, while non-freight customers receive information at a later, more appropriate stage. The apparatus also includes a customer classification module to identify whether a customer is a freight or non-freight customer, and a timeline management module to track the progress of the product launch plan. The visibility control module dynamically adjusts access based on the customer type and the current stage of the launch plan. This approach optimizes communication and coordination, reducing delays and improving efficiency in product launches.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the processing of individual shipments.

Plain English Translation

Technical Summary: This invention relates to logistics and supply chain management, specifically to systems for monitoring and controlling the visibility of shipment data within a distribution network. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust the visibility of shipment information based on configurable thresholds, ensuring that sensitive or incomplete data is not prematurely exposed to stakeholders. The apparatus includes a processing module that tracks individual shipments through various stages of transit, from origin to destination. A visibility control module applies configurable visibility thresholds to determine when shipment data should become visible to authorized users. These thresholds can be set based on factors such as shipment status, processing stage, or time elapsed. A key feature is the ability to define a visibility threshold point that occurs after the processing of individual shipments is complete, ensuring that only fully processed and validated shipment data is made available. This prevents premature disclosure of incomplete or inaccurate information, reducing errors and improving data integrity. The system also includes a user interface for configuring these thresholds and a data storage component for maintaining shipment records. The apparatus may integrate with existing logistics platforms to enhance visibility control without disrupting workflows. The invention is particularly useful in industries where shipment data must be carefully managed, such as pharmaceuticals, high-value goods, or regulated supply chains.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the product has cleared customs.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing product visibility in a supply chain includes a tracking module that monitors the location and status of a product as it moves through the supply chain. The system determines a configurable visibility threshold point, which is a specific stage in the supply chain after which the product's location and status are made visible to authorized users. In this case, the visibility threshold is set to occur after the product has cleared customs, meaning that tracking information is only shared with users once customs clearance is confirmed. The system may include a database for storing product data, a user interface for configuring the visibility threshold, and a notification module to alert users when the product reaches the threshold point. The system ensures that sensitive or proprietary information is protected until a predefined stage in the supply chain, improving security and compliance while maintaining transparency for authorized parties. The configurable nature of the threshold allows flexibility in adapting to different regulatory or business requirements.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the warehousing the product at one or more market hubs, central hubs, or both.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing product visibility in a logistics network, addressing the challenge of tracking products efficiently across multiple hubs. The apparatus includes a visibility control module that adjusts the visibility threshold point for products based on configurable settings. This threshold determines when a product becomes visible to stakeholders, such as customers or internal teams, within the supply chain. The system ensures that products remain hidden until they reach a specified stage, such as after warehousing at market hubs, central hubs, or both. The visibility control module dynamically updates the threshold based on predefined rules or real-time conditions, optimizing transparency while maintaining operational flexibility. The apparatus also includes a tracking module that monitors product movement and a notification module that alerts stakeholders when visibility conditions are met. This approach enhances supply chain coordination by controlling information flow, reducing unnecessary disclosures, and improving inventory management. The system is particularly useful in complex logistics networks where visibility needs vary by hub type and operational phase.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is a predetermined time period before the launch date.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing visibility of information in a project management or product development environment, particularly for controlling when certain data becomes accessible to users before a launch date. The problem addressed is the need to ensure that sensitive or time-sensitive information is only revealed to stakeholders at the appropriate time, preventing premature disclosure while allowing gradual visibility adjustments as the launch approaches. The apparatus includes a visibility control module that dynamically adjusts the visibility of project-related data based on configurable thresholds. A key feature is the ability to set a visibility threshold point as a predetermined time period before the launch date. This ensures that specific information is automatically hidden or revealed at a fixed interval before the launch, improving coordination and reducing the risk of early leaks. The system may also include scheduling components to track deadlines and trigger visibility changes, as well as user access controls to restrict or grant permissions based on predefined rules. The apparatus may integrate with existing project management tools to streamline workflows and enhance transparency while maintaining security. The invention is particularly useful in industries where timing is critical, such as software development, marketing campaigns, or product releases.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions comprising program code instructions configured to: determine, via a processor, a launch date for a product launch, wherein a plurality of a product is to be delivered to a plurality of customers at different geographic locations on the launch date; receive, via the processor that accesses a database, one or more planning parameters for executing the product launch, calculate, via the processor, time needed for manufacturing and packaging the plurality of product for the product launch date; utilize one or more planning parameters to generate, via the processor, one or more components of a product launch plan associated with the product launch; generate, via the processor, the product launch plan for delivering the plurality of the product to the plurality of customers based on the one or more planning parameters to different geographic locations by working back from the launch date, wherein the product launch plan comprises a configurable visibility threshold point and one or more customized visibility options regarding tracking information for the plurality of products provided, via a portal, to the plurality of customers for controlling the visibility of product tracking information; utilizing, via the processor, one or more planning parameters to determine processing capabilities of a central market hub; determining, via the processor, an amount of time needed to process one or more products of the plurality of products by the determined launch date at the central hub; determining, via the processor, whether or not additional personnel or equipment are needed to process the plurality of products for the product launch by the determined launch date; execute, via the processor, the product launch plan and track one or more of the plurality of the product as the one or more of the plurality of the product is transported in accordance with the product launch plan; receive, via the processor, a tracking request from one of the plurality of customers who is an intended recipient of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of the product, the tracking request provided as user input to a user interface provided through a customer computing entity; determine, via the processor, whether the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point; responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has reached the configurable visibility threshold point, provide tracking information/data to be displayed by the user interface provided by the customer computing device; and responsive to determining that the execution of the product launch plan has not reached the configurable visibility threshold point, transmit signaling information to a receiver, to provide a message (a) to be displayed by the user interface provided by the customer computing entity and (b) indicating that the expected delivery date of the at least one of the one or more of the plurality of the product is the launch date.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and tracking product launches, particularly for coordinating the delivery of multiple products to different geographic locations on a specified launch date. The system determines the launch date and calculates the time required for manufacturing, packaging, and processing the products. It generates a product launch plan based on planning parameters, including configurable visibility thresholds for tracking information. The plan ensures that products are delivered to customers while controlling the visibility of tracking data through a customer portal. The system assesses the processing capabilities of a central market hub, determines if additional personnel or equipment are needed, and executes the launch plan while tracking product movement. Customers can request tracking information, but the system only provides it once the configurable visibility threshold is reached. If the threshold hasn't been met, the system displays the expected delivery date instead. This approach optimizes logistics, resource allocation, and customer communication during product launches.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The computer program product of claim 15 , wherein: the plurality of customers comprise (a) freight customers receiving one or more of the plurality of the product by a freight delivery and (b) non-freight customers receiving one or more of the plurality of the product by a non-freight delivery; and the product launch plan comprises (a) a configurable visibility threshold point for freight customers and (b) a different configurable visibility threshold point for non-freight customers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for managing product launch visibility in a supply chain system, addressing the challenge of coordinating product availability and visibility for different customer segments with varying delivery methods. The system differentiates between freight customers, who receive products via freight delivery, and non-freight customers, who receive products through alternative delivery methods. The product launch plan includes configurable visibility threshold points, allowing separate settings for freight and non-freight customers. These thresholds determine when each customer segment can see the product in the system, ensuring tailored visibility based on delivery logistics. The system dynamically adjusts these thresholds to optimize inventory allocation and customer experience, preventing premature visibility that could disrupt supply chain operations. By segmenting customers and applying distinct visibility rules, the invention improves coordination between manufacturers, distributors, and customers, reducing inefficiencies in product launches. The solution is particularly useful in industries where delivery methods significantly impact inventory planning and customer expectations.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The computer program product of claim 16 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point for freight customers occurs earlier in the execution of the product launch plan than the configurable visibility threshold point for non-freight customers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for managing product launch visibility in a supply chain system, addressing the challenge of coordinating visibility timelines for different customer types during product launches. The system includes a product launch plan with configurable visibility threshold points, allowing different visibility schedules for freight customers and non-freight customers. Freight customers receive visibility earlier in the execution of the product launch plan compared to non-freight customers, ensuring timely logistics coordination while maintaining controlled information release for other stakeholders. The system dynamically adjusts visibility based on predefined thresholds, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing delays. The invention also includes a user interface for configuring these thresholds and a data processing module to enforce visibility rules, ensuring compliance with the launch plan. This approach optimizes resource allocation and minimizes disruptions by aligning visibility with customer-specific needs.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The computer program product of claim 15 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the processing of individual shipments.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing visibility thresholds in supply chain logistics involves tracking shipments and determining when to display shipment information to users based on configurable visibility settings. The system processes individual shipments through a logistics network, monitoring their progress and status. A configurable visibility threshold point is set to determine when shipment data should become visible to users, such as logistics managers or customers. This threshold can be adjusted based on factors like shipment priority, destination, or carrier requirements. The system dynamically applies the threshold to ensure that shipment information is only displayed when it meets predefined criteria, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary notifications. The method includes receiving shipment data, processing it through the logistics network, and applying the visibility threshold to control when the data is displayed. This approach helps streamline logistics operations by ensuring that only relevant shipment information is presented to users at the appropriate time.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The computer program product of claim 15 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the product has cleared customs.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing product visibility in a supply chain involves tracking the physical movement of goods and dynamically adjusting visibility thresholds based on configurable parameters. The system addresses the challenge of providing real-time visibility to stakeholders while ensuring data security and compliance with customs regulations. The solution includes a tracking module that monitors the location and status of products throughout the supply chain, a visibility control module that determines when and to whom product information should be disclosed, and a threshold adjustment module that modifies visibility settings based on predefined conditions. The configurable visibility threshold point can be set to occur after the product has cleared customs, ensuring that sensitive information is only shared when appropriate. This approach enhances transparency for authorized parties while maintaining security and regulatory compliance. The system may also include user interfaces for configuring visibility rules and generating reports on product movement. The method involves continuously monitoring product status, applying visibility rules, and updating access permissions in real-time. This solution is particularly useful in global supply chains where customs clearance is a critical step in the logistics process.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The computer program product of claim 15 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is after the warehousing the product at one or more market hubs, central hubs, or both.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for managing product visibility in a supply chain network. The system addresses the challenge of tracking and controlling the visibility of products as they move through various stages of distribution, particularly after warehousing at market hubs, central hubs, or both. The program dynamically adjusts a configurable visibility threshold point, which determines when and where product information becomes accessible to different stakeholders. This ensures that sensitive or proprietary data is only shared at appropriate stages, enhancing security and operational efficiency. The system integrates with existing supply chain infrastructure to monitor product movement, apply visibility rules, and update access permissions in real time. By setting the visibility threshold after warehousing, the program prevents premature exposure of product details while ensuring timely access for authorized parties once the product reaches designated hubs. This approach optimizes logistics coordination, reduces risks of unauthorized data access, and improves overall supply chain transparency. The solution is particularly useful in industries where product visibility must be carefully managed, such as pharmaceuticals, high-value goods, or regulated markets. The program operates across multiple hub types, allowing flexibility in deployment while maintaining consistent visibility controls.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The computer program product of claim 15 , wherein the configurable visibility threshold point is a predetermined time period before the launch date.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing visibility of digital content involves dynamically adjusting the visibility of content based on configurable thresholds. The system monitors a launch date for the content and determines a visibility threshold point, which can be set as a predetermined time period before the launch date. When the current time reaches this threshold, the system automatically adjusts the visibility of the content, making it accessible or hidden according to predefined rules. This ensures that content is only visible to users at the appropriate time, improving control over information dissemination. The system may also track user interactions with the content and adjust visibility thresholds dynamically based on engagement metrics. The method includes receiving input specifying the launch date and visibility threshold, monitoring the current time, and automatically modifying content visibility when the threshold is reached. This approach is useful for managing pre-launch content, scheduled announcements, or time-sensitive information in digital platforms.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

March 31, 2016

Publication Date

January 14, 2020

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Planning and conducting a product launch